I was, indeed, a loser by him myself, in an insignificant sum, and as he turned out to be such an indifferent character, I do not mind acknowledging the fact.

I do not think it can harm him, if I do.No.I was not responsible for him to you, but since your excellent wife, Frau Fischelowitz, labours under the impression that I was, I am quite willing to accept the responsibility, and shall therefore discharge the debt before night, as a matter of honour." "It is very kind of you," remarked the tobacconist, smiling at the impressive manner in which the promise was made.

"But of course, Count, if anything should prevent the arrival of your friends, you will not consider this to be an engagement." "Nothing will prevent the coming of those I expect, nor, if anything could, would such an accident prevent my fulfilling an engagement which, since your excellent wife's remarks last night, I do consider binding upon my honour.

And now, Herr Fischelowitz, with my best thanks for your intervention this morning, I will leave you.

After the vicissitudes to which I have been exposed during the last twelve hours, my appearance is not what I could wish it to be.